The annual airshow at Koksijde was celebrating its 30th edition this year. 60 years of Belgian air force and 35 years of Alouette III in Belgian service were the central themes of this year’s show, which always manages to attract some interesting participants. Modern fighters and international demonstration teams demonstrated their capabilities to the crowd and provided them with an unforgettable weekend. Of course, the Belgian Seakings were also prominent at their home base.

About 100,000 visitors attended the International Airshow Koksijde which took place on 1 and 2 July 2006. As usual the show included a static part and acrobatics. The Airshow, which is maybe the last one as such, paid homage to the 30-year-old Seaking and the 35-year-old Alouette III.

The Seaking helicopters arrived in Koksijde in 1976. Two Seakings are ready for intervention 24 hours on 24. In 30 years time Belgian Seaking helicopters have flown about 2300 rescue scrambles and 1338 people were rescued.  By 2008 the four Seaking helicopters will be replaced by 10 NH-90 helicopters. The NH-90 helicopter was also presented during the show.

The three Alouette III aircraft of the Koksijde airbase belongs to the Flight Marine. They mainly give logistic support to the fleet.

The static display, which included a Dutch F-16 and German Tornado, was equally challenging. Near the main entrance, there was a long line with a mix of small transport aircraft, fighters and helicopters.

The airshow opened with the Belgian representation of the Seaking, the Alouette II & III, the Victors, the A-109 Agusta and the Red Devils. They were followed by the UK aircraft: T-33, F-86 and Jet Prevost. The Belgian then continued the show with the Fouga and the Flying Legends.

If the first hour of the flying display did not offer much to get the blood of die-hard jetfighter-display fanatics rushing, the Belgian F-16 quickly changed that and came up with an impressive show.

France sent us the Mirage 2000 (only on Saturday), the Alpha Jet, the Cartouche Doré and the Dauphin. Unfortunately the Patrouille de France did not take part to the show this year. The UK came with F86, T33, Gnat, Catalina, Jet Provost. The Netherlands sent the PC-7 and the T-6 Harvard, Spain the Mirage F-1 and Denmark the Baby Blue Team. The most spectacular demonstration in this show was performed by the Patrouille Suisse, which displayed the world famous tunnel crossing and the Finale Grande. The airshow ended with a last demonstration of the Red Devils.

On Sunday afternoon the media and spotters had the pleasure to receive the visit of two members of the falcony section of the Bird Control Section, accompanied by their beautiful birds.

The Koksijde Airshow 2006 was a success in all areas, and the public was very pleased with the overall way the event ran over the two days with sunny weather and no problems on the ground or in the air.

Text: Pascale Tant
Photos copyrighted by Alain Thimmesch – Digital Eyecatcher Photography
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